Why are you not active in your elementary school's parent organization?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CMI outdoor space master plan is at the bottom of this link for this who are interested:

https://www.crowdrise.com/creativemindsplayground

That looks fantastic!

The master plan does look fantastic, but in reality, it only looks so-so. It looked great the first day, but now there is sand everywhere, the gravel walkway is mixed everywhere and there is a wood chips everyone. The kids hit each other with the wood pieces and there is poop in the tunnel (that's been there for days and reported but nothing has been done). The slides are tiny and my 2nd grader already thinks its for babies (and the tiny preschool students do use it so it is 3-year old appropriate). I thought the fairy houses would be a favorite, but they go ignored. The various tree stump steps are fun and kids love that -- some of them are in circles, but they weren't put in properly so they are unstable and dangerous and kids regularly fall off them. The best part is the garden (which was free and done by parents) but it's such a small part. I wish the garden was bigger. I can't imagine the playground being a good fit for the current students for more than a couple years except for the preschool students. By 2nd grade (which is all I know), they do play in the giant sand box (and bring a lot of it home) which has a water fountain (so it's wet, sticky sand), and right now it is new, so they are having fun, but I think it will wear off in a couple months and they will complain of boredom there. It definitely does not look like something that would cost $300,000. It looks like a bunch of parents got together with donated wood chips (often free), gravel, and cut wood from a tree that a neighbor removed. The only part that looks professional is the tunnel (with the poop), the baby slide (which is gorgeous but for babies) and the giant fancy sand box (which is the best part).

That's hilariously absurd! Thanks for sharing!

Is this true? Why are families proud of the playground? Anyone else see it?

I tried to go see it during Family Day at Lincoln's Cottage, but there was a volunteer at the gate telling families that it was a private playground and not open to the public. Mind you, I donated to get that public school's playground built because I have a two year old, live in the neighborhood, and a neighbor who attends the school posted the campaign online.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CMI outdoor space master plan is at the bottom of this link for this who are interested:

https://www.crowdrise.com/creativemindsplayground

That looks fantastic!

The master plan does look fantastic, but in reality, it only looks so-so. It looked great the first day, but now there is sand everywhere, the gravel walkway is mixed everywhere and there is a wood chips everyone. The kids hit each other with the wood pieces and there is poop in the tunnel (that's been there for days and reported but nothing has been done). The slides are tiny and my 2nd grader already thinks its for babies (and the tiny preschool students do use it so it is 3-year old appropriate). I thought the fairy houses would be a favorite, but they go ignored. The various tree stump steps are fun and kids love that -- some of them are in circles, but they weren't put in properly so they are unstable and dangerous and kids regularly fall off them. The best part is the garden (which was free and done by parents) but it's such a small part. I wish the garden was bigger. I can't imagine the playground being a good fit for the current students for more than a couple years except for the preschool students. By 2nd grade (which is all I know), they do play in the giant sand box (and bring a lot of it home) which has a water fountain (so it's wet, sticky sand), and right now it is new, so they are having fun, but I think it will wear off in a couple months and they will complain of boredom there. It definitely does not look like something that would cost $300,000. It looks like a bunch of parents got together with donated wood chips (often free), gravel, and cut wood from a tree that a neighbor removed. The only part that looks professional is the tunnel (with the poop), the baby slide (which is gorgeous but for babies) and the giant fancy sand box (which is the best part).

That's hilariously absurd! Thanks for sharing!

Is this true? Why are families proud of the playground? Anyone else see it?

I tried to go see it during Family Day at Lincoln's Cottage, but there was a volunteer at the gate telling families that it was a private playground and not open to the public. Mind you, I donated to get that public school's playground built because I have a two year old, live in the neighborhood, and a neighbor who attends the school posted the campaign online.

Oh! That is the new playground we drove by. We noticed it and wondered about it.

[Anonymous]

I don't usually make it to PTA meetings because I dislike going out on school nights but I volunteer in the schools themselves 2 mornings a week (library and recess monitor) on my off days. I work part time fwiw.

I also do the easy things like make something for bake sales, bring in a snack for the hospitality committee (caters faculty meetings), and help out at one off events like Play Day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CMI outdoor space master plan is at the bottom of this link for this who are interested:

https://www.crowdrise.com/creativemindsplayground

That looks fantastic!

The master plan does look fantastic, but in reality, it only looks so-so. It looked great the first day, but now there is sand everywhere, the gravel walkway is mixed everywhere and there is a wood chips everyone. The kids hit each other with the wood pieces and there is poop in the tunnel (that's been there for days and reported but nothing has been done). The slides are tiny and my 2nd grader already thinks its for babies (and the tiny preschool students do use it so it is 3-year old appropriate). I thought the fairy houses would be a favorite, but they go ignored. The various tree stump steps are fun and kids love that -- some of them are in circles, but they weren't put in properly so they are unstable and dangerous and kids regularly fall off them. The best part is the garden (which was free and done by parents) but it's such a small part. I wish the garden was bigger. I can't imagine the playground being a good fit for the current students for more than a couple years except for the preschool students. By 2nd grade (which is all I know), they do play in the giant sand box (and bring a lot of it home) which has a water fountain (so it's wet, sticky sand), and right now it is new, so they are having fun, but I think it will wear off in a couple months and they will complain of boredom there. It definitely does not look like something that would cost $300,000. It looks like a bunch of parents got together with donated wood chips (often free), gravel, and cut wood from a tree that a neighbor removed. The only part that looks professional is the tunnel (with the poop), the baby slide (which is gorgeous but for babies) and the giant fancy sand box (which is the best part).

That's hilariously absurd! Thanks for sharing!

Is this true? Why are families proud of the playground? Anyone else see it?

I tried to go see it during Family Day at Lincoln's Cottage, but there was a volunteer at the gate telling families that it was a private playground and not open to the public. Mind you, I donated to get that public school's playground built because I have a two year old, live in the neighborhood, and a neighbor who attends the school posted the campaign online.

We can take that up with the staff of the AFRH who were the volunteers staffing Family Day. As I'm sure you know (living in the neighborhood) the AFRH runs the grounds and the facilities there. Since the playground is new, they may not have been up to speed on all the rules yet. Thanks for passing that message along - we will reach out to them. Our relationship with LC and AFRH is always a work in progress and growing thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The playground hasn't been completed yet. It's a $300,000 design. Their PTO equivalent organization is trying to raise $100K per year for 3 years to fund it.

I think this is the final year. They've raised $200k and need another $100k, and as soon as they finish this commitment, money can go to the new Middle School. I also think that all that parent volunteer work for the garden did lower the cost so may be they only have another $50k (as an example). Parents did a lot of fundraising and the auction made a lot of money so they may be down to even less. In other words, it's over and everyone can move on from this expenditure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CMI outdoor space master plan is at the bottom of this link for this who are interested:

https://www.crowdrise.com/creativemindsplayground

That looks fantastic!

The master plan does look fantastic, but in reality, it only looks so-so. It looked great the first day, but now there is sand everywhere, the gravel walkway is mixed everywhere and there is a wood chips everyone. The kids hit each other with the wood pieces and there is poop in the tunnel (that's been there for days and reported but nothing has been done). The slides are tiny and my 2nd grader already thinks its for babies (and the tiny preschool students do use it so it is 3-year old appropriate). I thought the fairy houses would be a favorite, but they go ignored. The various tree stump steps are fun and kids love that -- some of them are in circles, but they weren't put in properly so they are unstable and dangerous and kids regularly fall off them. The best part is the garden (which was free and done by parents) but it's such a small part. I wish the garden was bigger. I can't imagine the playground being a good fit for the current students for more than a couple years except for the preschool students. By 2nd grade (which is all I know), they do play in the giant sand box (and bring a lot of it home) which has a water fountain (so it's wet, sticky sand), and right now it is new, so they are having fun, but I think it will wear off in a couple months and they will complain of boredom there. It definitely does not look like something that would cost $300,000. It looks like a bunch of parents got together with donated wood chips (often free), gravel, and cut wood from a tree that a neighbor removed. The only part that looks professional is the tunnel (with the poop), the baby slide (which is gorgeous but for babies) and the giant fancy sand box (which is the best part).

That's hilariously absurd! Thanks for sharing!

Is this true? Why are families proud of the playground? Anyone else see it?

I tried to go see it during Family Day at Lincoln's Cottage, but there was a volunteer at the gate telling families that it was a private playground and not open to the public. Mind you, I donated to get that public school's playground built because I have a two year old, live in the neighborhood, and a neighbor who attends the school posted the campaign online.

We can take that up with the staff of the AFRH who were the volunteers staffing Family Day. As I'm sure you know (living in the neighborhood) the AFRH runs the grounds and the facilities there. Since the playground is new, they may not have been up to speed on all the rules yet. Thanks for passing that message along - we will reach out to them. Our relationship with LC and AFRH is always a work in progress and growing thing.

Come to fall feet on October 2 and check it out!

[Anonymous]

Stay away because of the mean PTA moms!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stay away because of the mean PTA moms!

What school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CMI outdoor space master plan is at the bottom of this link for this who are interested:

https://www.crowdrise.com/creativemindsplayground

That looks fantastic!

The master plan does look fantastic, but in reality, it only looks so-so. It looked great the first day, but now there is sand everywhere, the gravel walkway is mixed everywhere and there is a wood chips everyone. The kids hit each other with the wood pieces and there is poop in the tunnel (that's been there for days and reported but nothing has been done). The slides are tiny and my 2nd grader already thinks its for babies (and the tiny preschool students do use it so it is 3-year old appropriate). I thought the fairy houses would be a favorite, but they go ignored. The various tree stump steps are fun and kids love that -- some of them are in circles, but they weren't put in properly so they are unstable and dangerous and kids regularly fall off them. The best part is the garden (which was free and done by parents) but it's such a small part. I wish the garden was bigger. I can't imagine the playground being a good fit for the current students for more than a couple years except for the preschool students. By 2nd grade (which is all I know), they do play in the giant sand box (and bring a lot of it home) which has a water fountain (so it's wet, sticky sand), and right now it is new, so they are having fun, but I think it will wear off in a couple months and they will complain of boredom there. It definitely does not look like something that would cost $300,000. It looks like a bunch of parents got together with donated wood chips (often free), gravel, and cut wood from a tree that a neighbor removed. The only part that looks professional is the tunnel (with the poop), the baby slide (which is gorgeous but for babies) and the giant fancy sand box (which is the best part).

So instead of bitching here, speak up in the CFA meetings. This complaining on DCUM is just unhelpful. But, knowing you...that's typical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am involved now but considering quitting- the president wants us to just run errands for her and such, she does not listen to any ideas really. And there is not much influence on school matters and not much money to really change anything. I don't want pizza parties, I want an aide hired for my classroom. But that just won't happen.
However I am on the school board as well as a parent rep and it is much more rewarding. And less time consuming.
So next year I will donate, volunteer in class, and serve on the school board.

X 1000! I was a room parent and it was just fund raising -- no classroom support. I want to be working where it matters. Now I don't have a title but I informally volunteer where it matters.

I am the PP you quoted. I am a room parent, too, and it seem like my teacher never once had a room parent while working at our school - she seems thrilled and she does listen to my ideas. I am in charge of Scholastic Reading Club book orders, and I come in to do some sorting and filing work. I am trying to convince her to let me have the parent contacts list so I can send out info re: volunteering for specific things, fundraising ideas, and other stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CMI outdoor space master plan is at the bottom of this link for this who are interested:

https://www.crowdrise.com/creativemindsplayground

That looks fantastic!

The master plan does look fantastic, but in reality, it only looks so-so. It looked great the first day, but now there is sand everywhere, the gravel walkway is mixed everywhere and there is a wood chips everyone. The kids hit each other with the wood pieces and there is poop in the tunnel (that's been there for days and reported but nothing has been done). The slides are tiny and my 2nd grader already thinks its for babies (and the tiny preschool students do use it so it is 3-year old appropriate). I thought the fairy houses would be a favorite, but they go ignored. The various tree stump steps are fun and kids love that -- some of them are in circles, but they weren't put in properly so they are unstable and dangerous and kids regularly fall off them. The best part is the garden (which was free and done by parents) but it's such a small part. I wish the garden was bigger. I can't imagine the playground being a good fit for the current students for more than a couple years except for the preschool students. By 2nd grade (which is all I know), they do play in the giant sand box (and bring a lot of it home) which has a water fountain (so it's wet, sticky sand), and right now it is new, so they are having fun, but I think it will wear off in a couple months and they will complain of boredom there. It definitely does not look like something that would cost $300,000. It looks like a bunch of parents got together with donated wood chips (often free), gravel, and cut wood from a tree that a neighbor removed. The only part that looks professional is the tunnel (with the poop), the baby slide (which is gorgeous but for babies) and the giant fancy sand box (which is the best part).

So instead of bitching here, speak up in the CFA meetings. This complaining on DCUM is just unhelpful. But, knowing you...that's typical.

As far as you know, PP has spoken up at the CFA meetings. I've been to the CFA meetings and have heard multiple parents speak up. How come you are certain that PP isn't one of them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am involved now but considering quitting- the president wants us to just run errands for her and such, she does not listen to any ideas really. And there is not much influence on school matters and not much money to really change anything. I don't want pizza parties, I want an aide hired for my classroom. But that just won't happen.
However I am on the school board as well as a parent rep and it is much more rewarding. And less time consuming.
So next year I will donate, volunteer in class, and serve on the school board.

X 1000! I was a room parent and it was just fund raising -- no classroom support. I want to be working where it matters. Now I don't have a title but I informally volunteer where it matters.

I am the PP you quoted. I am a room parent, too, and it seem like my teacher never once had a room parent while working at our school - she seems thrilled and she does listen to my ideas. I am in charge of Scholastic Reading Club book orders, and I come in to do some sorting and filing work. I am trying to convince her to let me have the parent contacts list so I can send out info re: volunteering for specific things, fundraising ideas, and other stuff.

I am doing something similar but unofficially. I just go to DC's teacher and say that I am willing to help with everything - buy supplies, organize the room, send parents to her gofundme page. I don't do it as a the school room parent because the PTA didn't organize the volunteer parents in that way. But that is the way that I enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Spiraling conversation. I don't even know what to make of it at this point -- lots of bitterness and some truly mean posters.

I personally don't get involved because our school has so many volunteers. They don't seem to need any more. When they ask for 2, they get 10. When I show up, as the 11th, I feel silly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spiraling conversation. I don't even know what to make of it at this point -- lots of bitterness and some truly mean posters.

I personally don't get involved because our school has so many volunteers. They don't seem to need any more. When they ask for 2, they get 10. When I show up, as the 11th, I feel silly.

Posting again -- I am thinking about volunteering at my IB school (DC goes to a charter). Our IB seems to be lacking in volunteers and money and I do have a lot of time and luckily some extra funds. Charter doesn't need me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spiraling conversation. I don't even know what to make of it at this point -- lots of bitterness and some truly mean posters.

I personally don't get involved because our school has so many volunteers. They don't seem to need any more. When they ask for 2, they get 10. When I show up, as the 11th, I feel silly.

Posting again -- I am thinking about volunteering at my IB school (DC goes to a charter). Our IB seems to be lacking in volunteers and money and I do have a lot of time and luckily some extra funds. Charter doesn't need me.

That's a fair reason not to volunteer. If we were at a JKLM I probably wouldn't volunteer because they don't need the help and maybe there is even competition for officer positions. At our Title I there is no competition, they need all the help they can get, and I try to help as much as I can.